Gilmer found guilty of manslaughter

Evan Caswell Gilmer will return to court next month after being found guilty of manslaughter.

After hours of deliberation, the jury found Gilmer guilty of manslaughter last week in the death of 18-month-old Garth Leippi.

Gilmer, 33, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the death of the toddler. The incident happened in Red Deer in October of 2008. His trial began last month and lasted about three weeks.

At about 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 12, 2008, Red Deer City RCMP were called to the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre after Garth was transported by ambulance from an apartment building in the 4800 block of 46 St.

RCMP said Garth was suffering from injuries that were “suspicious” in nature.

About 30 minutes later, homicide detectives from the local RCMP detachment were called in to investigate.

The boy was transported by STARS air ambulance to a Calgary hospital with life threatening injuries. He died about 30 hours after he was first admitted into the Red Deer hospital.

Gilmer was living with Garth’s mother, Jennifer Gladue at the time, but is not the boy’s biological father.

After the verdict was handed down in Red Deer’s Court of Queen’s Bench, Crown Prosecutor Jason Snider said Gladue and her family were relieved the process was over.

“They are relieved that someone was held responsible for Garth’s death.”

As for what type of sentence the crown will be looking at, Snider said he will have to do his research before making his submission to the court.

“The sentences for a manslaughter conviction range widely but he is looking at a penitentiary level sentence.”

Gilmer will return to court on Nov. 7 when a date is expected to be set for his sentencing. It is hoped the sentencing hearing will take place before Christmas.